Transfer Options from Istanbul International Airport to Istanbul City Center (Sultanahmet)
The new Istanbul International Airport is connected to Istanbul city center via taxi, bus, and subway. Alternatively, lavish private transfers and independent airport car rentals are also available at IST Airport. Briefly, an Istanbul airport taxi will comfortably transfer you to your accommodation in the city center in about 50 minutes, costing you 1050₺ (27.92€/30.83$), while the ride with an airport bus will take approximately 100 minutes with a fare of 224₺ (5.96€ / 6.58$) depending on the chosen service line. However, in both cases, the journey duration is unfortunately subject to the traffic levels. On the other hand, Istanbul airport Metro Line M11 combines speed and low prices, heading to the Gayrettepe Station.
| Options | Price (€) | Price ($) | Price (₺) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 27.92 | 30.83 | 1050 | 50 min |
| Bus | 5.96 | 6.58 | 224 | 100 min |
| Subway | 1.37 | 1.51 | 51.60 | 40 min |
Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center by Taxi
Taking a taxi from Istanbul Airport guarantees a comfortable transfer but not a quick one due to the heavy traffic on Istanbul streets. Nevertheless, with an Istanbul airport taxi, you will reach your exact destination in Sultanahmet’s historic area stress-free with an average fee of 1050₺ (27.92€/30.83$) depending on the travel time as taxis don’t offer fixed prices. Rides are priced the same during both day and night, while tipping is optional. The approximately 50-km/31-mile ride lasts about 50 minutes. You will find the official taxi ranks just outside every airport level.
Yellow (orange) taxis are the ordinary and cheapest ones, while you can also hire a more comfortable blue taxi (15% more expensive) or a black, luxurious taxi vehicle (70% more expensive).
Note that you should never take individual unofficial vehicles, and you should pay attention to the “traditional” taxi drivers’ scams and overcharges.
We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Istanbul Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.
- Local English-speaking drivers
- Flat, pre-paid fee
- Flight monitoring for delays
- 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation
Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center by Bus
Two bus companies handle the transportation from and to Istanbul International Airport, Havaist buses, and IETT public buses. However, neither of them offers a direct connection to the famous Sultanahmet, as IETT buses mostly serve less popular parts of the city, while Havaist buses no longer connect IST Airport to Sultanahmet. In any case, you can always take the cheap IETT H-1 or H-6 buses, but you will have to use other bus and metro lines further to reach your final destination. Additionally, your transit may involve a considerable amount of walking. On the other hand, the luxurious Havaist Buses iSt-1 will drop you off at the Aksaray Metro bus stop in about 90 minutes (depending on the traffic congestion). From that point, you’ll have to reach the tram stop (Yusufpaşa) and hop on the Tram Line T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar to Sultanahmet. Your tram journey should last around 9 minutes.
Havaist buses run around the clock with every 25-30-minute route, and their ticket costs 204₺ (5.42€ / 5.99$), while the tram fare is 20₺ (0.53€ / 0.59$). Thus, you’ll pay a total of 224₺ (5.96€ / 6.58$) fee for your ride from Istanbul Airport to the city center.
The bus station is located at the -2 airport level. In that area, you can also purchase an Istanbulkart, valid for all public transportation means, even for public toilets. Moreover, you can also pay using your credit card via the Havaist App or book your tickets in advance and simply download a QR code. Cash can be used only at the designated airport cash payment points.
Our Tip: You should bear in mind that traveling with heavy luggage on the Istanbul tram can be challenging, especially during rush hours.
Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center by Metro
The Istanbul airport Metro Line M11 now links Istanbul Airport to Istanbul, providing a fast and affordable option to the airport’s ground transportation system. Thus, if you opt for a subway ride from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul city center, you’ll have to head to IST airport subway station, lying right outside Exit 11, on the front side of the car park. After hopping on Metro Line M11, you’ll disembark at Gayrettepe Station and transfer to Line M2 to Vezneciler Station, a 15-20-minute walk from Sultanahmet Square. Overall, the journey with the Istanbul airport metro to Sultanahmet will last around 40 minutes, plus an approximate waiting time. However, please keep in mind that the Istanbul subway operates only from 06:15 am to 00:15 am.
The purchase of a rechargeable Istanbulkart is necessary to pay for your metro tickets. Istanbulkarts are available through the automatic machines of the Istanbul airport metro station (some devices accept only cash payments whereas others only card payments). After buying your card, you can load it with money and buy your metro ticket to Sultanahmet. The price for the Istanbulkart is 130₺ (3.46€/3.83$), while a one-way subway ticket to Gayrettepe Station costs 25.80₺ (0.69€/0.76$). Still, you’ll have to pay for your onward ride with Line M2 as well. Hence, the total cost of the ride from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet will be 51.60₺ (1.37€/1.51$), plus the Istanbulkart cost. Fortunately, Istanbulkarts aren’t personal but can be used by multiple passengers. Thus, you can buy only one card even if you are traveling with a company. Children up to 6 years of age travel for free.
Car Rental from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center
Another alternative for your transfer from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul city center is renting a car. An Istanbul airport car rental will give you freedom and independence but you will have to deal with the traffic jams and navigate through the hectic streets of Istanbul. However, if you wish to hire a car anyway, it is always a good idea to book your preferred vehicle in advance to guarantee the best deal. Exiting the airport complex, you will have to follow highway O-7 and you will reach your destination in Sultanahmet in approximately 50 minutes covering a 50-km distance.
Private Airport Transfers from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center
Private transfers are an excellent option for people who want to travel from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul city center in comfort and style. Combining convenience and privacy, an Istanbul airport private transfer service will pick you up from your location and drop you off at your destination, which saves time and effort. Moreover, you will travel in style without worrying about being surrounded by strangers on public transportation or waiting hours for a bus or train to arrive.
FAQs
How far is the new Istanbul Airport from the city center?
The distance between the new Istanbul Airport and the historic center of the city (Sultanahmet) is approximately 50km/31 miles. Therefore, the journey by car should last around 50 minutes if the traffic conditions are normal.
How much is a taxi from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet?
Istanbul airport taxis are metered. Therefore, there isn’t a set price for the transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet. However, you can expect to be charged approximately 1050₺ (27.92€/30.83$) if the traffic levels aren’t too high. The taxi fee is the same no matter the time of day.